Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Android 7.0 (Nougat)
• Method 2 of 3: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
• Method 3 of 3: Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and earlier versions

In this article, we are going to show you how to download files and applications directly to the SD card of your Android device.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Android 7.0 (Nougat)

1. 1 Launch the Settings app. Its icon looks like a gear () and is located in the application bar.
   • Starting with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), the SD card can be made part of the internal storage. In this case, content from the Play Store can be downloaded directly to the card.
   • In this method, the card needs to be formatted.
   • You will not be able to remove the SD card and use it on another device (to do this, you will have to delete all data from the card).
2. 2 Scroll down and tap Storage.
3. 3 Select your SD card. It will be called "External Storage" or "SD Card".
4. 4 Tap ⁝. You will find this icon in the upper right corner.
5. 5 Click on Change storage type. This option may be called "Storage Settings".
6. 6 Tap Format as internal.
7. 7 Select the option you want and press Further. On some devices, you can choose one of two options:
   • To store apps and their data (such as cache) on the SD card, select Use as internal storage for apps and data.
   • To store only applications on the card, click Use as internal storage for applications only.
8. 8 Tap Erase and format. The data on the card will be deleted and then the card will be properly configured. When the process is complete, a confirmation will appear.

Method 2 of 3: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)

1. 1 Launch the Settings app. Its icon looks like a gear () and is located in the app drawer.
   • Starting with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), the SD card can be made part of the internal storage. In this case, content from the Play Store can be downloaded directly to the card.
   • In this method, the card needs to be formatted. Therefore, use a blank card or back up the data stored on the card first.
   • You will not be able to remove the SD card and use it on another device (to do this, you will have to delete all data from the card).
2. 2 Scroll down and tap Storage.
3. 3 Select your SD card. It will be called "External Storage" or "SD Card".
4. 4 Tap ⁝. You will find this icon in the upper right corner.
5. 5 Click on Settings.
6. 6 Tap Format as internal. A message appears stating that all data on the card will be deleted.
7. 7 Click on Erase and format. The card will be formatted as internal storage. Now content from the Play Store will be downloaded to the card.
   • Some apps cannot be installed to SD card. Such applications will be automatically downloaded to the internal storage of the device.

Method 3 of 3: Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and earlier versions

1. 1 Open your file manager. It is marked with a folder-shaped icon and is called My Files, File Manager, or Files.
2. 2 Tap ☰ or ⁝. This icon is in the upper right corner and may look different on different devices. If there is a Settings option in the menu that opens, go to the next step.
   • On older versions of Android, press the menu button on the device.
3. 3 Tap Settings.
4. 4 Click on Home directory. You will find this option in the "Select Directories" section.
5. 5 Tap SD card. This option may be named differently, such as "SDCard" or "extSdCard".
6. 6 Click on Ready. From now on, everything will be downloaded to the SD card.